Reviews

"For the secluded ultra-wealthy"

Hillsborough Hills is a somewhat secluded, ultra-wealthy community nestled deep into Hillsborough’s bushy savannah grasslands. It is in fact one of the smallest neighborhoods within the city consisting of about a half dozen long, winding roads. And as you might expect, the community is very sparse, with a total population of just around 1,300. Also, its demographic is largely white, but still maintains a somewhat sizable asian population. If you drive through the district, the area is saturated with some grand homes, widespread greenery and neatly trimmed landscaping (which tends to be a staple among Hillsborough communities).

There are a wide range of housing options that vary in size and shape for the perspective resident. Some residences are considered sprawling single-story, 1950’s California ranch homes that sit on long properties. But many have added onto and/or rebuilt to make for much pricier homes. These residences usually yield enough space for half circle driveways and beautifully landscaped front yards. Those who can afford it typically rake in a whopping $165,000/year.

For those with deeper pockets, there are some more modern looking luxury homes dotting the neighborhood. These residences usually have 3,000 to 4,000 square feet of living space, not to mention its attached two to-three car garages. If you’re lucky enough, some driveways climb the hillside and venture up to properties that afford views of the San Francisco Bay. For numbers sake, median house values are upwards of $3 million, which pits it right in the middle of Hillsborough residences.

Geographically speaking, Hillsborough Hills is a skinny, winding strip of land nestled up against Highway 280. As a result, the district makes for convenient commuting up and down the San Francisco peninsula. For recreation, the vast San Francisco State Fish and Game Refuge (which includes Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir) is just on the other side of the freeway. The area is a great woodsy terrain with stretches of large, majestic oak and redwood trees making it perfect for the hiker in you.

"The Hills"

In another neighborhood review I spoke of the Hillsborough Hills generically. There is, as you have no doubt noticed by now, also a Hillsborough Hills that is an actual designated neighborhood in Hillsborough. It is way up near Highway 280 about as far west as you can get and still be in Hillsborough, although the nearest on ramp for the freeway is up by Trousdale Dr. I believe. So you will definitely have a bit of trek when you want to head out to work or anything else of this nature.

If you like being in a neighborhood where you will only see those who live or work there (ie, gardeners and housecleaners), this is definitely the place. No one really comes up here on their way anywhere else.

The homes that crop up here are of a fairly unusual species. Although you have your fairly classic looking contemporary style homes, you will also find larger mansions in varying styles. There is one, for example, that looks like some kind of institute from the outside with a large wrought iron gate leading to a glass paneled square-ish building that looks as if it could house a laboratory. Yet it is, as you can tell from aerial views a personal residence with a pool and the whole shebang.

Other homes up here have more of a European feel with thatched roof and French windows, framed by elaborate stonework and wrought iron fences. Outside you find large lawns and fairly expansive grounds.

When you are not nestled into leafy hills, you will find some spots here where you will get some fairly magnificent views out over the bay towards Hayward and Fremont. It is really a pretty amazing spot.

So what will it cost you to live up here?

On the low end, you can find a 3700 ft. Mediterranean style home with pretty good views for around $2.5 million.

On the high end (currently anyway), you can get about 4 acres and a home for about $8 million.

So, as with everything else in Hillsborough, it ain’t cheap or even moderately reasonable in terms of price.

And, of course, for any kind of basics, such as groceries, you will have to make the drive down to San Mateo.

I believe the elementary that serves this area is Roosevelt and the Middle School is Crocker Middle School. Both outstanding.

Overall, a good area if you want to live slightly away from it all and have the kind of money most people only dream of.